The Haddonfield Fire Department will receive a total of $38,803 from the federal government to purchase new life-saving equipment, according to Congressman Rob Andrews. The borough will use the grant to replace its 40 year old air compressor and bottle fill station, a device that supplies clean air for each firefighter to breath when surrounded by toxic smoke.

Awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, these funds are designed to help communities meet their emergency response needs without placing an additional burden on their local budget. The AFG program awards over $337 million annually to fire departments and EMS organizations nationwide as an effort to improve public safety and responsiveness in times of emergency.

“This piece of equipment would have cost nearly half of the department’s entire operating budget, and without this grant it’s possible the new equipment might not have come to fruition,” said Andrews. “ With this money, Haddonfield will be able to ensure for a long time that its brave first responders have the very best tools needed to save lives and protect the community.”

“Congressman Andrews’ support was critical in our ability to provide our firefighters with the best equipment available,” said Haddonfield Fire Department Chief Joe Riggs. “It’s our responsibility to keep our firefighters safe, and when we can show them that we have the proper equipment that helps our ability to recruit more volunteers and in turn protect the town.”

AFG grants are awarded on a competitive basis that evaluates a department’s financial needs, as well as the extent in which an application aligns with the priorities and goals of the program.